Bristol Street Motors Trophy

[stevvy]

2446 at Chesterfield. Not seen an attendance yet for Barnsley v Man Utd (probably as it hasn't finished yet). Probably pitiful though, and understandably so.

Just over 1500 for Bristol Rovers v Spurs. Less than 500 for Burton v Leicester.

Honestly if we get a crowd of 5k or more for any of our 3 group games I'll be stunned, even if it was free entry for everyone (which obviously it won't be)

[Russlad]

Aug 20, 2024 13:28:25 GMT 1 theterrier42 said:

Barnsley play United u21 tonight in our group, wonder why we aren’t on tonight?

15 year old starting for them.

[Yorkie]

Barnsley 2 up with 10 to play, lose 3-2 and then get a man sent off. Should set the group up well for us to top it now or definitely get Top 2

[Christ in Shades (art)]

Aug 20, 2024 20:59:38 GMT 1 stevvy said:

2446 at Chesterfield. Not seen an attendance yet for Barnsley v Man Utd (probably as it hasn't finished yet). Probably pitiful though, and understandably so.

Just over 1500 for Bristol Rovers v Spurs. Less than 500 for Burton v Leicester.

Honestly if we get a crowd of 5k or more for any of our 3 group games I'll be stunned, even if it was free entry for everyone (which obviously it won't be)

2300 at Barnsley but less than a 1000 at both Salford and Stevenage.

[shawsie]

Aug 20, 2024 21:15:51 GMT 1 Christ in Shades (art) said:

Aug 20, 2024 20:59:38 GMT 1 stevvy said:

2446 at Chesterfield. Not seen an attendance yet for Barnsley v Man Utd (probably as it hasn't finished yet). Probably pitiful though, and understandably so.

Just over 1500 for Bristol Rovers v Spurs. Less than 500 for Burton v Leicester.

Honestly if we get a crowd of 5k or more for any of our 3 group games I'll be stunned, even if it was free entry for everyone (which obviously it won't be)

2300 at Barnsley but less than a 1000 at both Salford and Stevenage.

Too much football / holidays and prem u21 sides ...... no wonder folks have voted with their feet.
It was originally a great concept - a wembley moneyspinner for lower division clubs who performed well against teams mostly at their level.
Now its just another few games many clubs simply dont want or need.

[stevvy]

To be fair, the time of season (school hols etc) is irrelevant. Attendances have been pitiful (and in reality have probably bombed drastically) ever since PL U21 teams were allowed in

[Oblong of Dreams]

Aug 20, 2024 13:29:04 GMT 1 themanfromatlantis said:

Aug 20, 2024 12:39:24 GMT 1 Christ in Shades (art) said:

Think the EFL had the Under 21 teams forced kn then in exchange for some brass, I might be wrong on that mind, but seemed to remember they had to kow tow to get some PL brass.

The PL is a fecking poison on the game. It’s clearly a spectacle, but it just feels as though the elite leagues have become too powerful in recent years.

I had a go at one of the football quizzes on the BBC earlier. There was one about highest transfer fee between 2 players. The fees they now pay for non marquee signings is utterly bonkers. And nobody bats an eyelid any more. Fairly big standard signings that would cover the transfer budget of some clubs for the next 20 seasons…

Sorry if it's already been asked, but how do they pick which PL clubs enter an U21 team in this? We didn't when we were up there unless it was kept very quiet.

[stevvy]

You have to have a category 1 academy, and then I think if you have one, you get invited, and can either say yes or no

Also yes the EFL were basically blackmailed. Either allow PL U21 teams into the competition, or the EFL wouldn't get all the money they were after.

Blackmail might be a strong term, but that is exactly what it was, without a shadow of a doubt.

[bogart]

I am at a loss as to how the whole thing works. Why penalties after scores even and both get a point? And finally when do we play in this kick about?

[NoToTrumpDonors]

This competition makes the Auto Windscreen Sherpa-van Beethoven trophy seem relevant.

[bluebeard]

Only 690 at Salford and 903 at Stevenage, shocking attendances at all the games. It says all you need to know about this competition and the sooner we are back in the championship!! the better.

[belizian]

Do players get paid appearance money in this competition?

[Wingman]

Aug 20, 2024 22:59:08 GMT 1 stevvy said:

You have to have a category 1 academy, and then I think if you have one, you get invited, and can either say yes or no

Also yes the EFL were basically blackmailed. Either allow PL U21 teams into the competition, or the EFL wouldn't get all the money they were after.

Blackmail might be a strong term, but that is exactly what it was, without a shadow of a doubt.

And the EFL are now getting blackballed by the PL again over future funding to replace parachute payments.

The sooner the PL ‘big six’ or whoever classifies themselves as a big team as Spurs bloody aren’t now, the better. Go and create your Euro Super Golden League of Legends, Champions and Cheats, and leave the rest of us to it.

[The King's Head 1230]

I'm having nothing to do with this pointless competition.
I get seeing you're team play at Wembley for 1st time but been & done it & nothing will top 2017.
Won't go again in the play offs.

[dooky82]

Are there any rules that would prevent us sending a team of kids out for these pointless games?

[Jack]

38 year old Tom Heaton was in goal for Man Utd under 21s.

[irverino]

Round one to Crawley last night over Brighton who they play away in the EFL cup next week......Just over 1500 at the game, although Crawley anticipate double that going to the AMEX with 3200 tickets.

[townarentbest]

Aug 20, 2024 20:59:38 GMT 1 stevvy said:

2446 at Chesterfield. Not seen an attendance yet for Barnsley v Man Utd (probably as it hasn't finished yet). Probably pitiful though, and understandably so.

Just over 1500 for Bristol Rovers v Spurs. Less than 500 for Burton v Leicester.

Honestly if we get a crowd of 5k or more for any of our 3 group games I'll be stunned, even if it was free entry for everyone (which obviously it won't be)

Barnsley v Man Utd - 2638

[Terriersmad]

Aug 21, 2024 8:45:39 GMT 1 dooky82 said:

Are there any rules that would prevent us sending a team of kids out for these pointless games?

Yes. Need to play at least six(?) senior players.

Given the timings of games, I think we’d be well-advised to play reasonably strong sides. We’ve scheduled these matches around international breaks, so we’ll probably lose some players regardless. We should view them as games to rest some for, but to maintain match-fitness and momentum.

And before anyone says, I know we don’t formally get international breaks at this level, but with numbers of call-ups I’d be amazed if we had league games during international breaks. Spencer and Marshall are shoo-ins for Northern Ireland, and we need just one more to be called up to postpone. And that’s without taking into account opposition call-ups.

[kimbo999]

Surely clubs are losing money having to put these games on looking at someattendances, if so what's the point yes you may get to Wembley but the money probably just covers loses with a few coppers left.

[stevvy]

I might be wrong but I think the EFL realised after teams complained massively (especially with PL U21 teams coming in) that teams were losing money (floodlights, catering, stewards, etc) and so basically said if you lose money from these games, we'll pay you so that you break even from the game.

Obviously clubs lose more than just the things mentioned above, They still have to pay out appearance fees, goal bonuses etc

[incognito]

Aug 21, 2024 8:45:39 GMT 1 dooky82 said:

Are there any rules that would prevent us sending a team of kids out for these pointless games?

Not really.

Nominally it is "Full Available Strength", which means at least four outfield players who either a) Started the previous 1st XI game; b) Start the subsequent one; c) Are among the top 10 1st XI appearance makers this season; d) Has made 40+ 1st XI career appearances; e) Is on loan from a club with a Category 1 Academy.

But even then, the punishment for failing to meet these criteria is a powder-puff "fine of up to £5,000".

For all the indignation at having to face Category 1 U21 teams, the likelihood is that we'll be fielding predominantly U23 teams ourselves.

[Tinpot]

Aug 21, 2024 10:49:32 GMT 1 incognito said:

Aug 21, 2024 8:45:39 GMT 1 dooky82 said:

Are there any rules that would prevent us sending a team of kids out for these pointless games?

Not really.

Nominally it is "Full Available Strength", which means at least four outfield players who either a) Started the previous 1st XI game; b) Start the subsequent one; c) Are among the top 10 1st XI appearance makers this season; d) Has made 40+ 1st XI career appearances; e) Is on loan from a club with a Category 1 Academy.

But even then, the punishment for failing to meet these criteria is a powder-puff "fine of up to £5,000".

For all the indignation at having to face Category 1 U21 teams, the likelihood is that we'll be fielding predominantly U23 teams ourselves.

On point d - how are first team appearances counted? Foreign leagues? Non-league? Substitute appearances?

Just thinking that Pearson, Ruffels, Turton, Kasumu, Headley, Harratt and possibly Bojan could all qualify despite hardly featuring for us so far.

I also wonder if (other than Iorpenda and Ayina) we have any kids looking particularly promising now.

[themanfromatlantis]

Maybe this should be merged with the old ‘Central League’ thread. It feels a bit like that in some respects.

[irverino]

Aug 21, 2024 10:22:15 GMT 1 kimbo999 said:

Surely clubs are losing money having to put these games on looking at someattendances, if so what's the point yes you may get to Wembley but the money probably just covers loses with a few coppers left.

I think it's around 20k (all) in the league format then 40k for a top two finish & last 16 ties, quarter & semi finals are 50k with the winner receiving 100k........So about 300k in total if you pick up the trophy, can see Brum going out early with only small change on offer to them. 

[townarentbest]

Aug 21, 2024 10:49:32 GMT 1 incognito said:

For all the indignation at having to face Category 1 U21 teams, the likelihood is that we'll be fielding predominantly U23 teams ourselves.

I'd rather we didn't, and fielded something more like the "League Cup" (and presumably FA Cup 1st round) squad.


Getting regular big minutes of  competitive action into the likes of Kane, Headley, Maxwell, Pearson, Iorpenda, Turton, Harratt, Kasumu is going to be far more valuable (in terms of match fitness/awareness of the new shapes and systems, and for Duff learning what they can bring) towards being able to confidently field a strong 1st team at any point through the season around illness, injuries and suspensions, than throwing in a bunch of random kids who are nowhere near the 1st team.

As a minimum, and hopefully there's at least another 4 or 5 to add to this, but the 3 Trophy games, 2 League Cup games and 1 FA Cup game, played in proper environments with paying crowds are all going to be far more beneficial than ANY game the B or U18's play this season.

[Orinoco]

Aug 20, 2024 11:15:15 GMT 1 Terriersmad said:

Aug 20, 2024 10:50:08 GMT 1 Orinoco said:

Will need a slice of luck to win the group, will we be topping it?

So long as we're not playing crusty players, we'll be fine. It's a good chance to make sure players aren't cheesed off at lack of game time, though. Keep a good base happy, top it off with a bit of experience for younger players.

You know your onions!!

[Orinoco]

Aug 20, 2024 21:05:52 GMT 1 Yorkie said:

Barnsley 2 up with 10 to play, lose 3-2 and then get a man sent off. Should set the group up well for us to top it now or definitely get Top 2

Pay extra for 2 toppings?, sorry crap pizza joke!!

[Tinpot]

Aug 21, 2024 14:40:06 GMT 1 townarentbest said:

Aug 21, 2024 10:49:32 GMT 1 incognito said:

For all the indignation at having to face Category 1 U21 teams, the likelihood is that we'll be fielding predominantly U23 teams ourselves.

I'd rather we didn't, and fielded something more like the "League Cup" (and presumably FA Cup 1st round) squad.


Getting regular big minutes of  competitive action into the likes of Kane, Headley, Maxwell, Pearson, Iorpenda, Turton, Harratt, Kasumu is going to be far more valuable (in terms of match fitness/awareness of the new shapes and systems, and for Duff learning what they can bring) towards being able to confidently field a strong 1st team at any point through the season around illness, injuries and suspensions, than throwing in a bunch of random kids who are nowhere near the 1st team.

As a minimum, and hopefully there's at least another 4 or 5 to add to this, but the 3 Trophy games, 2 League Cup games and 1 FA Cup game, played in proper environments with paying crowds are all going to be far more beneficial than ANY game the B or U18's play this season.

Yep. A balance needs to be struck.

I'm all for including kids if they're close to the first team, but how many of those are there? Chapman, Ayina, Iorpenda, Jones, Harratt, but that's about it. Maybe Stone and Daley if it puts them in the shop window for a loan lower down the pyramid.

But we do have a number of players that are not getting much game time now, but are going to be needed over the season, and it's best to get minutes into their legs so they are less rusty when called upon.

Players like Maxwell, Pearson, Turtinho, Kane, Kasumu, Headley etc are good enough to get into most Lg1 sides, but if they're rusty when eventually called upon then they're going to look shit.

[Tinpot]

Alternatively, here's how Barnsley are using the competition:

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/barnsley-fcs-young-stars-show-efl-trophy-can-have-its-place-in-footballs-bigger-picture-4750843?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3QLvVgo8PGWlmsuaBZOjqH24xYTLifH0vUpGuIBC8g-0g8XDEs82te-oI_aem_u2IWWjBNFKnonMtuAYb_EA#Echobox=1724238325

Either way, I'm hopeful that we get far in every competition. Even if we only care about the league, success in the other competitions can support success in the league. It doesn't have to be a distraction.